Feltman: Washington Pursues Independent Policy on Lebanon

Deputy assistant U.S. Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman was quoted Saturday as saying Washington has for the first time ever adopted an independent policy on Lebanon that would persist irrespective of who wins the forthcoming presidential elections.

 

Feltman, who was ambassador to Lebanon for over three years, said such a policy is based on support by both the Republican and Democratic parties for Lebanon as a cornerstone in the foreign policy of the United States.

 

He explained that Washington”s stand on Lebanon is based on the nation”s “democracy and sovereignty” in contrast with Israel”s stand, which is based on a security concept.

 

He accused Free Patriotic Movement leader Gen. Michel Aoun of carrying out a “Syrian agenda.”

 

Hizbullah, according to Feltman, maintains its weapons “in line with a regional Syrian-Iranian agenda.